Debate contributions by Martin GÜNTHER

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, The protection of endangered species is essential. The root causes of wildlife trafficking – poverty, inequality and exploitation – need to be clearly identified and tackled. The EU must put social justice and community-based nature conservation at the heart of its strategy. The EU needs to engage with CITES on species protection through education and, above all, reducing demand through clear rules. Because one thing is clear: Modes of production and consumption, especially in the Global North, are driving species extinction. The mere recognition of the role of indigenous peoples and local communities is not enough. They must be actively involved in decisions. They defend biodiversity at the forefront. Colonial conservation models that separate nature and man must be a thing of the past. It is unacceptable that over 100,000 Maasai are forcibly expelled from their lands in Tanzania to make room for nature and hunting reserves.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! We will not solve the climate crisis without fighting inequality. The richest 1% cause more emissions than the poorest 66%. More capitalism cannot solve a problem forced by capitalism. The climate crisis is also a consequence of colonial injustice. The Global South suffers the most, although it has contributed the least to global warming. The EU must live up to its responsibilities, as set out in the Paris Agreement. But Germany, the EU's largest issuer, is going the wrong way: new gas-fired power plants, more gas production, fewer climate protection laws and trickery with CO2Certificates instead of real measures – this is a moral failure and a clear violation of Article 2 of the Paris Agreement. And most importantly: Low- and middle-income people will suffer the most from the consequences of this misguided policy.